Ethnic Conflict: The Case of the Kurds
Abstract
One of the largest ethnic groups on the globe without a nation of their own, the Kurds living in the Middle East continue to struggle for some degree of self-determination, especially those Kurds living within Iraq. The author explores these people, their history, social customs, and the varied political contexts in which the 20 million Kurds now live. Focusing on the Iraqi situation, he suggests several conditions he believes the Kurds must achieve to obtain the necessary international political support to achieve a meaningful autonomy agreement. The author also suggests a U.S. policy direction for this volatile region. The following questions are considered: Can there be an independent or autonomous Kurdistan in Iraq, Turkey, Iran, Syria, or Armenia?; Would it be a united Kurdistan or a state or states within the existing political boundaries?; What would Kurdish independence mean to the future stability of the Middle East?; What are the policy interests of the United States with regards to the Kurds?; Should the United States attempt to influence, either overtly or covertly, events as they unfold in Kurdistan?; and What are the United States' policy options? To place the Kurdish people in a context useful in discussing their future, the author will discuss their society, culture, and economy; briefly explore the historical backdrop from which they emerged into today's headlines; and review "Greater Kurdistan" to briefly explore the political context in the five states where the Kurds currently reside.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA262225
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Q. Wagner
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy